Refereeing standards ‘getting worse’ because of VAR — Shearer

Former Newcastle United and England striker, Alan Shearer, has said refereeing standards are declining due to the use of the video assistant referee (VAR).

Shearer stated that referees are becoming too reliant on the system, which he said is affecting decision-making in matches.

“Refereeing standards are the worst we have seen for a long time” and “only getting worse” because of VAR, he said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“They [referees] are too reliant on it, and it’s affecting the standard of refereeing now, and it’s not a good look,” Shearer added.

Shearer’s comments follow the controversy in Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Friday.

Manchester United have said they will make a formal complaint to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited over what they described as an inconsistency in officiating.

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In the match, Harry Maguire was sent off for pulling back Evanilson inside the box, leading to a penalty which was converted by Junior Kroupi.

Earlier, Amad Diallo was denied a penalty for a similar incident, while United had been awarded a spot-kick for a challenge on Matheus Cunha.

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick described the decisions as inconsistent.

Shearer questioned the decisions made during the match.

“You should have given a penalty when you gave two like that. How on earth do you not give another one,” he said.

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock also criticised VAR.

“I think it has ruined it. It’s ruined the enjoyment in stadiums. I think it’s ruined it for referees to officiate. I think that it’s a little bit of a safety blanket every time they referee,” he said.

“VAR isn’t perfect, it isn’t great, it makes mistakes and it’s still subjective, which is a huge problem, and I just think it’s a poor addition to the game.”

VAR has been used in the Premier League since the 2019-20 season.

European football governing body UEFA is expected to meet with officials from top leagues, including the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1, to review its application.

The meeting will focus on limiting VAR intervention to clear and obvious errors.

The use of VAR has continued to generate debate, with concerns over delays, interpretation and consistency.

While some stakeholders support its use, others have called for changes or removal, citing its impact on the flow of the game and officiating standards.

Clubs have also raised concerns over inconsistency, particularly when decisions go against them, although there are instances where similar calls have favoured them.